VICTORIA—B.C.’s Information and Privacy Commissioner Elizabeth Denham has initiated an investigation into the District of Saanich’s use of monitoring software to track employee activity on its computer systems.
“My office has been closely following recent events in the District of Saanich, where allegations have been made that spyware is being used on district-owned computers to monitor employees with or without their consent,” said Commissioner Denham.
“In light of many outstanding questions and concerns, I have decided to act on my own motion and initiate an investigation into whether the District’s use of employee monitoring software complies with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
“We need the facts concerning implementation of the software, including what methods of data capture have been enabled and the extent to which personal information is being collected from employees,” said Denham.
In the course of an investigation, the Commissioner has the power to compel disclosure of documents, interview government or company officials, make legal findings, and issue compliance orders or recommendations for change.
The investigation is expected to be complete before the end of March. The Commissioner’s findings will be made public.
The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner will not make any further comment on this matter until the investigation is complete.
SOURCE: Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner